5. Denver Broncos (5-5) @ San Diego Chargers (4-6) - 4:15 PM EST, CBS
In Week 5, these two teams last met. Denver was 1-3, and San Diego was 3-1. The Chargers took a large lead early in the game. That is when Broncos head coach John Fox made a big decison replacing veteran starting quarterback Kyle Orton with young Tim Tebow. Tebow nearly led the Broncos to the comeback win in the game. Since that game, a lot has changed about these teams. Denver has gone 4-1 with Tebow as the starting quarterback, despite the mounting criticism building against him. San Diego has gone 0-5 and watched starting quarterback Philip Rivers implode time and time again. In this game, the Tebow-led Broncos look to continue to ride toward a potential playoff berth, while the Chargers try to hold back the rivers that seem to be washing them out of the AFC playoff picture. Prediction: Denver 20 San Diego 17
4. Chicago Bears (7-3) @ Oakland Raiders (6-4) - 4:05 PM EST, FOX
Both the Broncos and Chargers are chasing the Oakland Raiders, who are leading the AFC West. The Raiders have been the epitome of inconsistent this season (W, L, W, L, W, W, L, L, W, W). At least midseason acquisition Carson Palmer is starting to show signs off mastering the offense. After throwing a combined six interceptions in his first two games as a Raider (both losses), Palmer has thrown only one in his last two games (both wins). On the other hand, the Chicago Bears are on a consistent roll right now that they would like to keep going. They have won five games in a row and would like to maintain their NFC Wild Card lead. However, their chances were dealt a serious blow when starting quarterback Jay Cutler fractured his thumb on his right throwing hand while trying to make a tackle following an interception. Doctors are uncertain if he will be able to return during the regular season. Into the spotlight steps Caleb Hanie, who will make his first ever NFL start. Most people will remember his performance in relief of Cutler in the NFC Championship Game last season. Hanie led the Bears on two touchdown drives before throwing his costly second interception that sealed his team's loss to the Packers. Prediction: Chicago 20 Oakland 17
3. Buffalo Bills (5-5) @ New York Jets (5-5) - 1:00 PM EST, CBS
This game features two teams struggling to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Buffalo Bills opened the season 4-1, but have now lost four of their last five. The Bills offense averaged 32.8 ppg during those first five games, but only 14.3 ppg the past five. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has been struggling, and starting running back Fred Jackson, who was having an outstanding season, has been lost for the season with a broken bone in his lower right leg. The New York Jets have been very streaky this season. Their current two game losing streak has brought them down to .500 and put them in must win mode if they are going to stand a chance of making the playoffs. The Jets aren't ready to panic yet though, as they were in a similar situation last year before putting together enough wins to reach the AFC Championship Game for the second straight year. They need quarterback Mark Sanchez to step up his game to make this happen again. Prediction: New York 24 Buffalo 10
2. New England Patriots (7-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles (4-6) - 4:15 PM EST, CBS
Many people thought before this season began that this game could be a Super Bowl preview. The New England Patriots seem well on their way to winning yet another AFC East title to try and hold up their end of the bargain. On the other hand, the Philadelphia Eagles are just trying to win another game to try and climb back into the NFC playoff picture. The Patriots have bounced back from two losses (to the Steelers and Giants) to win two games (over the Jets and Chiefs). Tight end Ron Gronkowski has blossomed into the focal point of the Patriots offense. He has 10 touchdown catches on the season, including a combined four the past two weeks. The Eagles are coming off a huge win over the Giants. Vince Young led the offense as an injured Michael Vick was unable to play. Reports believe that Young will be called on again this week. The Eagles defense stepped up big last week and will need to again this week. Prediction: New England 34 Philadelphia 17
1. New York Giants (6-4) @ New Orleans Saints (7-3) - 8:30 PM EST (MNF), ESPN
The New York Giants once seemed to be in control of the NFC East, but two straight losses and four straight wins for the Dallas Cowboys means that the Giants sit a 1/2 game behind the Cowboys. This might be the starting signs of another Giants second-half collapse, just like the past two seasons (missed the playoffs both seasons). In fact, in all seven seasons under head coach Tom Coughlin so far, the Giants have a worse second half record that their first half record. The Giants are struggling with injuries and will likely have to overcome quite a few inactives in order to pick up a win. They have a tough task going into the Superdome, where the Saints are 4-0. The Saints last two games were victories over divisional foes, including a 26-23 overtime win over the Falcons. They will be itching to play after eight days off because of their bye week last week. Prediction: New Orleans 34 New York 20
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